Overview
The pancreas is a long, flat organ that lies between your stomach and spine. It helps with digestion and makes some hormones.
Pancreatic cancer may develop if abnormal cells start growing out of control in the pancreas. Pancreatic adenocarcinoma is the most common type. It starts in the cells that line the tubes (ducts) of the pancreas.
Being diagnosed with pancreatic cancer can be a shock. Find helpful information in Just diagnosed, or call Cancer Connect on 13 11 20 to talk it through with our qualified professionals.
What's in this booklet
About pancreatic cancer
Read about how the pancreas works, the types of pancreatic cancer, who gets it, and which health professionals will help with your care.
Symptoms and risk factors
Risk factors include smoking, diabetes and pancreatitis. Symptoms can include yellowing skin and eyes (jaundice), back pain and unexplained weight loss.
Diagnosis
Blood tests, scans, and biopsies are used to help doctors diagnose pancreatic cancer. The test results also help to show the stage of the cancer.
Treatment to remove the cancer
If pancreatic cancer is diagnosed before it has spread, it may be treated with surgery (the Whipple procedure), or chemotherapy with radiation therapy.
Treatment to manage the symptoms
Pancreatic cancer is often diagnosed after it has spread (advanced). Treatments such as surgery, chemotherapy and radiation therapy can help manage symptoms.
Managing your diet and nutrition
Pancreatic cancer and its treatment can make it hard to eat and stay well nourished. Your health care team can help you find ways to manage eating and nutrition.
Living with pancreatic cancer
You and your health care team can work together to help manage symptoms and adjust to physical and emotional changes.
Questions to ask your doctor
It can be a good idea to prepare a list of questions before your appointments. See our list of questions about pancreatic cancer treatment and care.
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